About
Mississippi has historically been home to a diverse manufacturing sector, with industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to chemicals and food processing. As a top 10 national leader in manufacturing, the state is a hotspot for corporate investment due to its abundance of land and low operational costs. Mississippi, alongside other manufacturing leaders, is challenged by an ever-evolving technological landscape creating a skills gap across industry. Rapid technological advancements require workers with up-to-date skills in automation, data analytics, and other high-tech areas. Bridging this gap is crucial for the industry’s competitiveness. Employee recruitment and retention is one of the largest issues for manufacturing employers in Mississippi and surrounding states. Attracting and retaining skilled talent in manufacturing can be challenging. The industry may face competition from other sectors, and perceptions about manufacturing careers may need to be addressed to attract a new generation of talent.
Though it is a major challenge, workforce development is only the symptom. The core issue is a lack of training and education programs available to both employees currently in the workforce and students looking to pursue career paths in manufacturing. By providing new technology and training centers for existing and future Mississippi companies, we will be able to improve career paths and continue to increase Mississippi’s role as a manufacturing technology leader, leading to a stronger economy for the state. Our goal with AiM UP is to turn Mississippi into an innovator and early adopter of the Industry 4.0 concept, which, if implemented, will attract companies to Mississippi by providing them with access to skilled workers and opportunities for their employees to continue to grow industry skills.
AiM UP seeks to shape the future of advanced manufacturing through education, innovation, and workforce development. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern manufacturing. As a premier leader in training and research, we are committed to providing cutting-edge education that upskills our workforce, propelling them into higher-paying roles and driving economic growth in our state and region. We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and its ability to elevate both individuals and communities. As an innovation hub, we proudly showcase the latest advancements in manufacturing technology, serving as a catalyst for progress. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we facilitate collaboration, inspire innovation, and drive the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies. Through these efforts, we contribute to the continued success of businesses in our region. Our vision extends beyond the walls of our institution — we aspire to be a driving force in the economic prosperity of our community. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, embracing technological advancements, and nurturing a skilled workforce, we aim to position our region at the forefront of the global manufacturing landscape. We are not just shaping careers; we are shaping the future of manufacturing excellence.
Partnering Institutions
AiM UP partners with educational institutions strategically selected from across the state of Mississippi to offer Advanced Manufacturing training and education resources close to home. Mississippi State University serves as a consultant for innovative automation technologies and supporting educational material to its connected network of educational partners. East Mississippi Community College's Workforce Services Division at The Communiversity is the first of these partnering institutions housing an advanced manufacturing training lab. Mississippi State has also partnered with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College to continue to expand the reach of AiM UP with additional training labs to better serve the whole state of Mississippi. Ranging from collaborative robots from FANUC, ABB, and Universal Robotics to autonomous mobile robots from OTTO to a fully integrated smart manufacturing assembly line developed by leaders in automation technology, the technologies in these training labs address multiple elements of the manufacturing operation. Through the program, participants gain hands-on experience with leading and cutting-edge technologies.
Find out more about the available educational and training programs through AiM UP Partnering Institutions below.
